Mix It Up: 3 New Men’s Business-Casual Combos to Try

Your cubemates? Nine out of ten are sporting the same thing. You know, matching their brown leather belt to their brown leather loafers. And there’s nothing wrong with that – but if you feel like standing out from your by-the-book colleagues, we’ve cooked up a few business-casual combos that aren’t quite as common. And you can bet they’ll get you noticed (in all the right ways).

1. Mix with abandon.
No matter what anyone tells you, your belt and shoes do not have to match. We swear. So rather than going the classic leather-on-leather route, mix a preppy plaid belt (see above) with a pair of rugged, lace-up boots that anchor your look with some edge.

2. Get crazy – from the calf down.
There’s no doubt about it: oxfords are an office staple. But next time you lace those puppies up, step away from the tube socks and throw on an anything-but-boring pair. Think loud prints and bold colors. You can even roll your pant hem up (but that’s only for the daring).

3. Know it’s all in the wrist.
Don a classic pinstripe shirt, roll the sleeves, and then buckle on a watch that stands out. We’re not talking black leather straps or sleek, stainless steel bracelets – try bands in hard-hitting hues (red, anyone?) and rich textures. What time is it? Who really cares when you look this good?